History & Philosophy
The history of Taekwon-Do from ancient Korea through the founding of the ITF, based on the Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do.
General Choi Hong Hi
General Choi Hong Hi is recognized as the founder of Taekwon-Do. A Korean-born military general, he created Taekwon-Do by combining traditional Korean Taekkyon techniques with his expertise in Japanese Shotokan Karate and a deep understanding of Korean history, culture, and philosophy. As a young man, General Choi was slight in stature and learned Taekkyon from master Han Il-dong to improve his health. He later studied Karate in Japan and attained a 2nd Dan. After Korea's liberation in 1945, he dedicated his life to developing and spreading a new Korean martial art. On April 11, 1955, the name "Taekwon-Do" was officially adopted. On March 22, 1966, General Choi founded the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF). He spent decades traveling the world to spread Taekwon-Do and wrote the definitive 15-volume Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do. His vision for Taekwon-Do was not merely as a fighting art, but as a way of life that promotes peace, respect, and human development. His student oath and tenets reflect this philosophy.
Choi Jung Hwa
Choi Jung Hwa is the son of General Choi Hong Hi, the founder of Taekwon-Do. He began training in Taekwon-Do under his father from a young age and became one of the most senior practitioners of the art, holding the rank of 9th Dan — Grand Master — the highest grade in ITF Taekwon-Do. Following his father's passing on June 15, 2002, Choi Jung Hwa has worked to preserve and promote the Taekwon-Do that General Choi Hong Hi systematized and taught throughout his lifetime. He carries the responsibility of maintaining a living connection to his father's teachings and ensuring the technical integrity of ITF Taekwon-Do for future generations. As the founder's son, Choi Jung Hwa embodies a unique continuity of the art — trained directly by the man who created it, and now dedicated to carrying that legacy forward in the spirit of the Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do.
The Hwarang
The Hwarang (화랑, "Flower of Youth" or "Flowering Knights") were an elite group of male youth in the Silla kingdom. Established around the 6th century, they were selected from noble families and trained in military arts, poetry, music, and Confucian ethics. The Hwarang Code, attributed to Buddhist monk Won-Kwang Beopsa, consisted of five principles: 1. Loyalty to the king (Sagun ichung) 2. Filial piety to parents (Sa-chin-i-hyo) 3. Faithfulness to friends (Kyo-u yisin) 4. No retreat in battle (Im-jeon-mu-toe) 5. Discrimination in the taking of life (Sal-saeng youtak) These principles directly influenced the development of Taekwon-Do's tenets and the student oath. General Choi Hong Hi considered the Hwarang spirit to be the historical foundation of the Korean martial spirit that Taekwon-Do carries forward.
Historical Timeline
Kingdom of Gojoseon
Dan-Gun founds the first Korean kingdom. Korean martial traditions begin. The Taekkyon martial art emerges over centuries in ancient Korea.
Three Kingdoms Period
The kingdoms of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla coexist. Warrior groups like the Hwarang in Silla develop martial arts as a cornerstone of military and spiritual training. Murals in Goguryeo tombs depict unarmed combat techniques recognizable as early Taekwondo.
Silla Unification
General Kim Yoo-Sin, with monk-soldier support, unifies the Korean peninsula under the Silla Dynasty. The Hwarang warrior code becomes the basis of Korean martial ethics.
Goryeo Dynasty
Subak (Taekkyon) becomes a popular sport and military training method. King Uijong (1147–1170) greatly encourages its practice. The art is systematized as a military skill.
Joseon Dynasty
The ruling Confucian philosophy deprioritizes martial arts in favor of scholarly pursuits. However, Taekkyon continues as a folk sport and military training art. King Jeongjo commissions the "Muyedobotongji," a comprehensive Korean martial arts manual.
Japanese Occupation
Japan occupies Korea and bans Korean cultural practices including traditional martial arts. Many Koreans secretly practice Taekkyon, or study Japanese martial arts such as Karate and Judo. This period influences the later development of Korean martial arts post-liberation.
General Choi Hong Hi Born
Choi Hong Hi is born on November 9, 1918, in the Hwa-Dae county, Myong-Chun district of North Korea. He will go on to become the founder of modern Taekwon-Do.
General Choi Studies Martial Arts
Choi Hong Hi begins studying Taekkyeon from Han Il-dong to build physical strength. He later travels to Japan and studies Shotokan Karate under Funakoshi Gichin, earning his 2nd Dan.
Korean Liberation
Korea is liberated from Japanese occupation. General Choi begins teaching his martial art to Korean soldiers. He combines traditional Korean Taekkyon techniques with his Karate knowledge to create a new Korean martial art.
First Korean Military Martial Arts Training
General Choi, now a Captain, teaches martial arts to Korean soldiers at the Infantry School in Kwang Ju. This is considered the earliest stage of Taekwon-Do development.
Presidential Demonstration
General Choi and his team demonstrate Korean martial arts to President Rhee Syngman. The President is astonished to watch a student break a roof tile with a kick. He orders the martial art taught to all Korean soldiers.
Name "Taekwon-Do" Adopted
At a naming conference of Korean martial arts masters, historians, and Taekwondo leaders, the name "Taekwon-Do" is officially adopted. The name is proposed by General Choi, reflecting the art's emphasis on kicking (Tae) and punching (Kwon) along the path of Do (the way).
Korea Taekwondo Association Founded
The Korea Taekwondo Association is established. General Choi becomes its first president. The first Taekwondo demonstration tour abroad is conducted in Taiwan and Vietnam.
Taekwondo Enters International Arena
General Choi reorganizes the Korea Taekwondo Association. The 2nd demonstration tour goes to Southeast Asia and the United States, introducing Taekwon-Do internationally.
International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) Founded
General Choi Hong Hi establishes the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) in Seoul, South Korea. This is the culmination of his life's work to systematize and internationalize Taekwon-Do.
ITF Headquarters Moves to Canada
Due to political pressure from the South Korean government, General Choi moves the ITF headquarters to Toronto, Canada. This allows Taekwon-Do to spread freely worldwide without political interference.
Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do Written
General Choi spends two decades writing the definitive 15-volume Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do. This comprehensive work systematizes all techniques, patterns, philosophy, and history of ITF Taekwon-Do.
World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) Founded
South Korea's government creates the WTF (now World Taekwondo) as a rival organization. This leads to the divergence of ITF and WTF styles. ITF focuses on traditional martial art values; WTF focuses on Olympic sport.
Global Spread of ITF Taekwon-Do
Under General Choi's leadership, ITF Taekwon-Do spreads to over 120 countries. General Choi continues refining and teaching the art, including controversial trips to North Korea to promote martial arts as a path to peace.
General Choi Hong Hi Passes Away
General Choi Hong Hi, the founder of Taekwon-Do, passes away in Pyongyang, North Korea, at the age of 83 from stomach cancer. He is remembered as one of the most important figures in martial arts history. The ITF continues under new leadership.
ITF Continues and Grows
The ITF continues to operate and grow worldwide. Choi Jung Hwa — son of General Choi Hong Hi — is among those who continue to promote his father's art and preserve the technical standards codified in the Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do. ITF Taekwon-Do is practiced by millions worldwide and remains distinct from Olympic (WTF/WT) Taekwondo.
The Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do
The Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do is a 15-volume comprehensive work written by General Choi Hong Hi over more than two decades. It covers the complete technical, philosophical, and historical aspects of ITF Taekwon-Do. The encyclopedia defines:
- ›All 24 official patterns (Tul) with step-by-step instructions
- ›Complete technique library — hand attacks, kicks, blocks, and stances
- ›Theory of power and the sine wave motion
- ›Philosophy and tenets of Taekwon-Do
- ›History of Korean martial arts and Taekwon-Do
- ›Vital spots (Kupso) and self-defense applications
- ›Training methodology and grading requirements
This wiki and syllabus application is based on the teachings and methodology outlined in General Choi's Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do and is intended as an educational reference for ITF students and instructors.